Chennaiyin FC produced an all-round performance in their last three matches as all seven of their goals were scored by different players, ensuring the team a place in the playoffs after four years. Marina Machans also became the first ISL team to record three consecutive comeback wins and head coach Owen Coyle feels his men can take confidence from this impressive feat as it is always a real test of character when the pressure of football is on .
Addressing the media ahead of Sunday's clash, Coyle said: "In terms of the football club and particularly the fans, it's obviously a huge boost. But as far as I'm concerned it's the first step on the journey. .I'm a champion and I'm used to winning things.This is what I like to do. I've done it all over the world. I have done it here in India. We would do it again. We always trusted. W knew. It's never how you start; That's how you finish in football. People remember how you finish games.And that's what we had to ensure.”
With the outcome of the match not likely to affect Chennaiyin's position in the table, the Scotsman hinted at resting key players and giving the youngsters some game time.
“Knowing that we have nothing to gain from the game (against FC Goa), so, I can definitely look at a lot of things. So let's see what happens tomorrow, change is guaranteed.
“You know, there are a lot of changes, but we'll go out there, try to win games and then prepare ourselves for whatever we play on April 19 and 20.,
Defender Bikash Yumnam, who has been a key cog in Chennaiyin's campaign this season, spoke highly of Coyle and his support, especially of the young India players. “Compared to the last two years, I am trying to improve a lot. As a coach, he (Owen Coyle) gave me a lot of confidence and encouraged us to improve our game,” commented Yumnam, who has recorded 10 successful tackles this season.
Chennaiyin are placed sixth in the points table after winning eight matches this season, while Goa, on the other hand, are placed third with 1 win from 21 matches so far, including a six-match unbeaten streak.
In the last match played between these two teams earlier this season, FC Goa had won.Overall, in the head-to-head series, FC Goa has the advantage, having won 1 match while Chennaiyin has won nine and two matches have ended in draws.
Addressing the media ahead of Sunday's clash, Coyle said: "In terms of the football club and particularly the fans, it's obviously a huge boost. But as far as I'm concerned it's the first step on the journey. .I'm a champion and I'm used to winning things.This is what I like to do. I've done it all over the world. I have done it here in India. We would do it again. We always trusted. W knew. It's never how you start; That's how you finish in football. People remember how you finish games.And that's what we had to ensure.”
With the outcome of the match not likely to affect Chennaiyin's position in the table, the Scotsman hinted at resting key players and giving the youngsters some game time.
“Knowing that we have nothing to gain from the game (against FC Goa), so, I can definitely look at a lot of things. So let's see what happens tomorrow, change is guaranteed.
“You know, there are a lot of changes, but we'll go out there, try to win games and then prepare ourselves for whatever we play on April 19 and 20.,
Defender Bikash Yumnam, who has been a key cog in Chennaiyin's campaign this season, spoke highly of Coyle and his support, especially of the young India players. “Compared to the last two years, I am trying to improve a lot. As a coach, he (Owen Coyle) gave me a lot of confidence and encouraged us to improve our game,” commented Yumnam, who has recorded 10 successful tackles this season.
Chennaiyin are placed sixth in the points table after winning eight matches this season, while Goa, on the other hand, are placed third with 1 win from 21 matches so far, including a six-match unbeaten streak.
In the last match played between these two teams earlier this season, FC Goa had won.Overall, in the head-to-head series, FC Goa has the advantage, having won 1 match while Chennaiyin has won nine and two matches have ended in draws.
